IRCC Plans to Add Language Test Field to PGWP Application Portal

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is planning to add a dedicated field for language test results in the Post-Graduation Work Permit application portal.

This change is being developed because many international graduates have been confused about where to upload their language test results when applying for a PGWP.

According to a Global News report, a spokesperson from Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office confirmed that IRCC is working on this update as part of broader improvements to its online systems. The spokesperson also acknowledged that the current portal has caused confusion for some applicants.

Why Is IRCC Making This Change?

In 2024, the Canadian government introduced a new language test requirement for PGWP applications. However, IRCC did not update the application portal at the same time due to system limitations.

As a result, many applicants did not see a separate upload section for language test results. Some believed the document was not required and submitted their PGWP applications without it.

This led to refusals for missing language test documents.

Between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, IRCC received more than 302,000 PGWP applications. Out of these, 945 applications were rejected for language-related reasons.

IRCC has not yet announced when the new language test field will be added to the portal.

Who Needs to Submit Language Test Results for a PGWP?

International students applying for a PGWP after November 1, 2024, must submit valid language test results with their initial application.

The test must be from an officially approved English or French language test.

Language test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.

The required language level depends on the applicant’s level of study:

PGWP Language Requirement by Program Type

For university bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or other university programs, as well as college bachelor’s degree programs, applicants must meet CLB 7.

For college programs or other non-university programs, applicants must meet CLB 5.

Where Should Applicants Upload Language Test Results Right Now?

Until IRCC adds a separate language test field, applicants must upload their language test results under the “Client Information” section of their online account.

Applicants should be careful because only one file can be saved in this section.

If you upload more than one file separately, only the most recent file will remain in the application.

If you need to submit multiple documents, such as a language test report and a school letter confirming your program or field of study, IRCC recommends combining all documents into one PDF file before uploading it under “Client Information.”

You may also need to compress the file to meet IRCC’s upload size requirements.

What If You Already Submitted Your PGWP Application Without Language Results?

If you already submitted your PGWP application without language test results, you may still be able to add the missing document through the IRCC web form.

To do this, applicants can:

Go to the “Ask about or update your application” section of the IRCC web form.

Select “Add a document to your application.”

Choose “I’m the principal applicant.”

Enter the application number and Unique Client Identifier so IRCC can find the file.

When asked whether IRCC requested the document, select “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”

Upload the missing documents.

The IRCC web form allows multiple file uploads, but the total file size must not be more than 3.5 MB.

What If Your PGWP Application Has Already Been Refused?

If your PGWP application has already been refused, your options may depend on whether your study permit is still valid.

If your study permit is still valid, you may be able to submit a new work permit application.

If your study permit has expired, you may need to apply for restoration of status as a student and then submit a new PGWP application, as long as you are still within 180 days of completing your program.

This situation can be more complex, so applicants should carefully review their eligibility before taking the next step.